After my birth trauma with my first and receiving 4th degree tears i wasnt scared of labour the second time around i was looking forward to doing everything differently, and i was looking forward to showing the Drs that i could do it vaginally.

I voted Yes, so much that I've asked for an elective Ceasar based on my experiences.

I was petrified of labour the first time around and unfortunately, my fears were nothing compared to just how terrible, horrific and traumatic it actually was. I never, ever want to feel that sort of pain or terror ever again in my entire life. I have PTSD as a result.

The second time around, I opted for an elected CS. It was the most wonderful, beautiful experience of my life and the pain of recovery afterwards was nowhere near what I was told it would be. It was also *nothing* compared to the 6 or so months I spent recovering from my first VB. I thought I'd be sore for at least 6 weeks after my CS but I only needed very minor pain relief a few days after. If I ever have another child, it will be a CS again without question.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Pinkzy For This Useful Post:

I have had reasonably good labours 12hrs, 3hrs and 1hr but I still get nervous knowing how intense the pain can be.

My first labour was agony because I fought it the whole way, I didn't want an epi and had peth late in the labour. I do wish I had more pain relief for the first but couldn't handle someone sticking a needle in my spine.

My second was okay had a pretty good middy through out it and loads of ice.

My last labour was really good as I didn't fight it I just let the contractions happen and tried to relax as much as possible. So this is what I will try to do again.

The only thing for me with such a quick labour was the intensity of the pain builds up super quick. I was shaking uncontrollably after DS was born.

The first time I experienced labour was for a Vbac and I honestly, hand on my heart can say I was not at all afraid of the thought of labour, nor the feeling of labour. To be honest, I was elated at the thought of being able to finally get a chance to experience labour and even though it hurt like hell, I wasn't fearful and it wasn't scarey and I suffered a very painful and extensive 3rd degree tear.

My second labour after the first Vbac, though having had the previous 3rd degree tear and subsequent issues, I still can say I honestly wasn't fearfull.

I find labour to be very empowering, not something I was afraid of, I am not a hero or a matyr I think a lot of my lack of fear had to do with being a Vbacer and wanting so badly to succeed in labour and birth.

I wasnt the first time around, i was excited. But this time im going to have to fight for what i want, so it makes me a little scared. Im more worried about not getting what i want then the actual labour.

Ive been told i should be traumatised by the aftermath of DD's birth but im not. Its something i cant change so im not going to dwell on it. Im just preparing myself the second time around.

My first labor I had no fear. It was long and ended in a hospital transfer for assistance (planned home birth), and there was a small amount of trauma.

This next labor (in 3ish months) I still have no real fears, I don't want another transfer, but I'm filling myself with positivity surrounding a successful homebirth instead of concern at the possibility of another transfer.

Birth doesn't frighten me, I trust my body, I trust my baby and I trust my care providers. Pain doesn't frighten me, complications concern me but I can't dwell on that, I have worked through our plan of action for any major birth complications and I am comfortable with what we would do if that did arise.

I was so scared and the best advice I got from a friend was that I was designed to do it. This helped me so much. I didn't have a long or complicated labour and managed drug free. I actually can't remember the pain, DH asked me how it was straight after and I couldn't tell him. I just felt so strong and empowered at the end.

Leading natural health practitioners in fertility, preconception, pregnancy, and children's health. We take an integrative approach all health professionals and offer diagnostic testing and natural treatment options suitable for the whole family.